Headrest-mounted monitor

ABSTRACT

A monitor adapted for mounting in an automobile headrest is provided. A screen structure of the monitor is pivotable about an upper edge thereof, such that the monitor occupies little volume within the headrest. A viewing angle of the screen structure is independently adjustable by a viewer, such that the viewer can continuously select the optimum viewing angle with changing conditions inside the automobile. The screen structure automatically retracts into a housing when struck. Thus, the monitor poses little risk of injury to passengers. The housing of the monitor is attachable to the headrest with screws, which provides a very sturdy connection and reduces the chances of the housing becoming detached from the headrest during a vehicle collision. The hinged connection between the screen structure and the housing is preferably constructed of interconnected components made from sturdy materials, such as metals. Hinge components are optionally secured with metal fastening members and fastening apertures made of metal and strong plastics. The hinges are thus unlikely to break during a vehicle collision.

RELATED APPLICATION

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication, are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to visual display units for use invehicles, such as automobiles and aircraft. More specifically, thepresent monitor is adapted to be mounted in a headrest of a vehicleseat.

2. Description of the Related Art

Monitors for displaying visual images have been commonplace aboardcommercial aircraft and motor coaches for quite some time. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,775 to Nguyen, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,556 to Dixondisclose monitors that are adapted to be mounted in a seat back of anaircraft seat. Neither of these monitors is adapted for use in anautomobile.

Disadvantageously, each of these monitors pivots automatically with theseat back. A viewer cannot adjust a viewing angle of either monitorindependently of a recline angle of the seat back. This limitationprevents a viewer from adjusting the monitor to minimize glare. In anautomobile a position and orientation of the vehicle relative to the sunis constantly changing. The movement creates glare at certain times, andviewers prefer to be able to adjust the screen to eliminate the glare.Thus, any monitor for use in an automobile is preferably adjustable sothat viewers can minimize glare.

The Nguyen monitor pivots about a lower edge, and pivots into the seatback when a passenger reclines the seat back. Thus, the Nguyen monitoroccupies a relatively large depth of the seat back. This configurationis not suitable for use in an automobile headrest, where space is verylimited.

The Dixon monitor pivots about an axis located in the upper half of thehousing. The axis is spaced downward and inward from the upper outeredge of the monitor (see FIGS. 3-5). The Dixon monitor pivots away fromthe seat back when a passenger reclines the seat back. However, becauseof the location of the pivot axis, an upper rear edge of the Dixonmonitor moves toward the seat back when the monitor pivots. Like theNguyen monitor, this configuration occupies a relatively large depth ofthe seat back and is not well adapted for use in an automobile headrest,where space is very limited. Further, when the seat of Dixon is in areclined position, and the monitor is in a position such that a loweredge thereof protrudes from the seat back, tension in a cable within theseat back holds the monitor in position. Thus, if a passenger strikesthe monitor in this position, he or she could be injured because themonitor will not retract into the seat back. This configuration is alsonot appropriate for use in an automobile headrest, where duringemergency braking passengers are frequently thrown forward.

Monitors have recently become more popular in private passenger vehicleswhere space is more limited than in aircraft and motor coaches. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,715 to Jones, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,976to Chu disclose monitors that are adapted to be mounted in a head restof an automobile seat. The Jones and Chu monitors are adapted to bemounted in an automobile headrest. However, neither of these monitors isadjustable independently of the headrest.

Unfortunately, none of these patents teaches a monitor that is adaptedto be mounted within an automobile headrest, and is independentlyadjustable by a viewer to provide an optimum viewing angle and to reduceglare.

Several monitors for use in private passenger vehicles include a plastichousing that is mounted to the vehicle headrest. The housing is gluedinto a cavity within the headrest, and the screen structure is securablewithin the housing using a variety of different attachment methods. Forexample, the housing may include tabs that snap into slots on the screenstructure. Unfortunately, the connections between these screenstructures and their respective housings are not very sturdy.Furthermore, the glued connections between the housings and theirrespective headrests are not very sturdy. Thus, during a vehiclecollision, the screen structures tend to detach from their housings, andthe housings tend to detach from their headrests. The loose screenstructures and housings drifting about the passenger compartment pose athreat to the passenger's safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments of the headrest-mounted monitor have severalfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for theirdesirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of thisheadrest-mounted monitor as expressed by the claims that follow, itsmore prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After consideringthis discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one will understandhow the features of the preferred embodiments provide advantages, whichinclude adaptability to mounting in an automobile headrest, independentadjustability, sturdy connection between housing and headrest, sturdyconnection between monitor and housing, and low risk of injury topassengers.

One preferred embodiment of the present monitor comprises a housingdefining a first hinge portion. The housing is mounted to a headrest ofa vehicle seat. The monitor further comprises a screen structuredefining a second hinge portion. The second hinge portion cooperateswith the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure tothe housing.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housingdefining a storage cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upperedge thereof. The monitor further comprises a screen structure defininga second hinge portion adjacent an upper edge thereof. The second hingeportion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure thescreen structure to the housing. The screen structure is adapted to fitsubstantially within the storage cavity when the screen structure is ina storage configuration. An angular orientation of the screen structurerelative to the housing is adjustable without moving the headrest or theseat.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housingdefining a storage cavity and a first hinge portion adjacent an upperedge. The monitor further comprises a screen structure defining a secondhinge portion adjacent an upper edge. The second hinge portioncooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screenstructure to the housing. The screen structure is adapted to fitsubstantially within the storage cavity when the screen structure is ina storage configuration. When the screen structure is in a viewingconfiguration, a lower edge of the screen structure protrudes from thehousing. When the screen structure is in the viewing configuration, apushing force applied to a front face of the screen structure adjacent alower edge thereof pivots the screen structure to a position toward thestorage configuration. Upon removal of the force, the screen structureremains in said position.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a housinghaving a first hinge portion and having a pivot aperture attached to afloor thereof. The monitor further comprises a screen structure having asecond hinge portion and a channel in a rear surface. The second hingeportion cooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure thescreen structure to the housing. The monitor further comprises a brackethaving a first end pivotably retained within the pivot aperture and asecond end slidably retained within the channel.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screenstructure defining first and second hinge portions adjacent an upperedge thereof. The monitor further comprises a housing defining a storagecavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacentan upper edge thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. A fasteningmember secures the first hinge portion to the housing surface. The firstand second hinge portions cooperate to pivotably secure the screenstructure to the housing.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screenstructure defining first and second hinge portions, and a housingdefining a surface for receiving the first hinge portion. The housing ismounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The first hinge portion issecured to the housing surface, such that the second hinge portioncooperates with the first hinge portion to pivotably secure the screenstructure to the housing, and the screen structure is pivotableninety-degrees with respect to the housing.

Another preferred embodiment of the present monitor is adapted to bemounted to a headrest of a vehicle seat. The monitor comprises a screenstructure defining a post and a first hinge portion pivotably connectedthereto. The post is secured adjacent an upper edge of the screenstructure. The monitor further comprises a housing defining a storagecavity adapted to receive the screen structure, and a surface adjacentan upper edge thereof for receiving the first hinge portion. The firsthinge portion pivotably secures the screen structure to the housing. Thepost and the first hinge portion are constructed of a sturdy materialdesigned to resist separation of the screen structure and housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the headrest-mounted monitor, illustratingits features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depictthe novel and nonobvious headrest-mounted monitor shown in theaccompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. Thesedrawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicatelike parts:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of theheadrest-mounted monitor according to the present invention,illustrating the monitor installed in a headrest of a vehicle seat;

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitor ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a left side elevation view of the screen structure of theheadrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a rear elevation view of the screen structure of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of the housing of the headrest-mountedmonitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a left side elevation view of the housing of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1,illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing;

FIG. 5A is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor ofFIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure in a storage position;

FIG. 5B is a left side section view of the headrest-mounted monitor ofFIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from thehousing;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bracket of the headrest-mountedmonitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitorand headrest of FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure in a storageposition;

FIG. 7B is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitorand headrest of FIG. 1, illustrating the screen structure pivotedoutward from the housing; and

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of another preferred embodiment ofthe screen structure of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of another preferred embodiment of thehousing of the headrest-mounted monitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the housing of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a detail view of the second hinge portion of the housing ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitorand headrest of FIG. 1, including the screen structure of FIG. 8,illustrating the screen structure in a storage position; and

FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view of the headrest-mounted monitorand headrest of FIG. 1, including the screen structure of FIG. 8,illustrating the screen structure pivoted outward from the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a monitor 10 disposedwithin a headrest 12. The headrest 12 is mounted to a vehicle seatback14, and 12 is movable independently of the seatback 14 toward and awayfrom the seatback 14. The monitor 10 preferably faces a rear of thevehicle so that images displayed on the monitor 10 are visible topassengers seated behind the seatback 14. Features of the monitor 10,which are described in detail below, reduce the risk of injury topassengers presented by the monitor 10, and enable the monitor 10 to bemounted in the very limited space available within a typical vehicleheadrest 12.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the monitor 10 includes a screenstructure 16 that is pivotably attached to a housing 18. Both thehousing 18 and an outer casing of the screen structure 16 are preferablyconstructed of a high-strength plastic, so that the monitor 18 islightweight and durable. The housing 18, which is embedded in theheadrest 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 7A and 7B, includes a cavity 20 (FIGS.3, 4 and 5B) defining a storage space for the screen structure 16. Thecavity 20 is substantially the same size and shape as the screenstructure 16, such that when the screen structure 16 is in the storageposition of FIGS. 5A and 7 A, a front face 22 of the screen structure 16is substantially flush with an outer surface 24 of the housing 18, whichis in turn substantially flush with a surface 25 of the headrest 12(FIG. 7A). The monitor 10 thus preferably protrudes only minimally ornot at all from the headrest 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, the screen structure 16 includes a frontportion 26 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) that is a substantially rectangularparallelepiped, and a rear portion 28 that tapers inward from the frontportion 26 toward a rear face 30. Each of the left and right faces 32,34 of the screen structure 16 includes a first hinge portion 36 adjacenta top face 38 of the screen structure 16. Each hinge portion 36comprises a substantially flat bar 40 defining a plane that is parallelto a side face 32,34 of the screen structure 16. The bar 40 is pivotablysecured at a first end 42 to the side face 32, 34 of the screenstructure 16, such that the bar 40 is pivotable in the plane defined bythe bar 40. The first hinge portions 36 cooperate with second hingeportions 44 (FIGS. 3A-3C) on the housing 18 to pivotably secure thescreen structure 16 to the housing 18, as described in detail below. Theillustrated first hinge portions 36 are preferred, because they simplifythe assembly of the monitor 10, as explained below. However, those ofskill in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternate hingeconstructions could be used and still achieve a number of advantages ofthe present monitor 10.

The front surface 22 of the screen structure 16 (FIG. 1A) includes aviewing screen 46 that displays images to passengers. As shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the screen structure 16 includes an input cable 48 forreceiving an input signal to control the images displayed on the viewingscreen 46. A first end 50 of the cable preferably includes a multi-pinconnector 52 that enables a variety of input devices to selectivelycommunicate with the monitor 10.

The monitor 10 further includes a plurality of controls for determiningcharacteristics of the displayed images. For example, one controlpreferably enables power to be selectively applied to the monitor 10.Other controls preferably enable a viewer to select between variousinput sources for the monitor 10, such as a television tuner, a DVDplayer, a video game system, etc. Other controls preferably enableadjustment of qualities of the screen images, such as brightness,sharpness, contrast, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first cluster of manual controls 54 islocated on the front face 22 of the screen structure 16, and a secondcluster of manual controls 56 is located on the outer surface 24 of thehousing 18 adjacent the screen structure 16. The front face 22 of thescreen structure 16 further includes an infrared sensor 58 for receivingsignals from a handheld wireless remote control unit (not shown). Thoseof skill in the art will appreciate that all controls may be located onthe screen structure 16, or all controls may be located on the housing18. Alternatively, the monitor 10 may include no integrated manualcontrols, such that the monitor 10 is controllable using only a handheldwired or wireless remote control unit.

An interior of the screen structure 16 preferably includes at least onespeaker 59 that produces audible sounds that accompany the imagesdisplayed on the screen 46. At least one of the controls 54, 56 on themonitor 10 or on an optional remote control unit preferably enablesadjustment of a volume level produced by the at least one speaker 59.The rear face 30 of the screen structure 16, shown in FIG. 2B, includesapertures 60 that enable sounds produced by the speaker 59 to be heardclearly by passengers. Those of skill in the art will appreciate thatthe apertures 60 are not necessary to achieve many advantages of thepresent monitor 10.

Those of skill in the art will also appreciate that the monitor 10 neednot include a speaker 59. The monitor 10 could, for example, beconnected to the vehicle's sound system such that sounds from themonitor 10 are produced by speakers mounted in the vehicle's interior.However, front seat passengers, who are not in a position to view theimages on the monitor 10, may wish to listen to, for example, a radiobroadcast through the vehicle's sound system. Therefore, providing atleast one speaker 59 in the monitor 10 enables rear seat passengers tolisten to sounds produced by the monitor 10, and front seat passengersto listen to sounds produced by the vehicle's sound system. To eliminateany dissonance created by two sources of different sounds, the monitor10 could also include a headphone jack so that only backseat passengerswearing headphones can hear sounds produced by the monitor 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, 5A and 5B, front edges of the housing 18 extendoutward and backward, thus creating a rim 62 around the cavity 20 havinga front face 64 and side faces 66, 68, 70, 72 that are substantiallyparallel to side faces of the cavity 20. The rim 62 increases therigidity of the housing 18 without substantially increasing its weightor volume. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the front face 64of the rim 62 adjacent a lower right edge 68 of the housing 18 includesa plurality of apertures 74. The apertures 74 are adapted to housecontrols, such as buttons or knobs, for adjusting various aspects of themonitor 10, as described above. Those of skill in the art willappreciate that the apertures 74 are not necessary to achieve all theadvantages of the monitor 10, since controls may be mounted on thescreen structure 16 or on a remote control unit.

A floor 76 of the cavity 20 preferably includes a plurality of apertures78 (FIG. 3A) that cooperate with mounting hardware, such as screws 79(FIG. 3A), to secure the housing 18 to the headrest 12. The floor 76preferably also includes an aperture 80 of sufficient size to allow theinput cable 48 to pass through the floor 76 without interference. A topsurface 82, bottom surface 84 and opposing side surfaces 86 extendupward from the floor 76. The floor 76 protects the monitor 10 and theheadrest 12 during use.

Adjacent the top surface 82, each side surface 86 of the cavity 20includes a second hinge portion 44 (FIGS. 3A-3C) that cooperates withone of the first hinge portions 36 on the screen structure 16 topivotably secure the screen structure 16 to the housing 18. Each secondhinge portion 44 comprises a slot having a width substantially equal toa thickness of the bar 40 of the first hinge portion 36. The bar 40 isthus slidable within the slot. With the bar 40 disposed within the slot,a position and orientation of the bar 40 is fixed relative to thehousing 18. However, because the bar 40 is rotatable with respect to thescreen structure 16, the screen structure 16 is pivotable with respectto the housing 18.

A tab 88 within the slot cooperates with an aperture 90 (FIG. 2A) on thebar 40 to lock the bar 40 within the slot. The tab 88 is cantileveredand attached to a side edge 92 of the floor 76 of the cavity 20. The tab88 includes a forward facing tapered portion 94 (FIG. 3C) thatterminates in a ledge 96 that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe tab 88 and faces away from the rim 62. As the bar 40 is insertedwithin the slot, the bar 40 slides along the outside of the tab 88, andthe bar 40 urges the tab 88 inward due to interengagement of the bar 40with the tapered surface 94. As a leading edge 98 (FIG. 2A) of the bar40 reaches a rear end of the slot, the tab 88 snaps into position withinthe aperture 90 of the bar 40. The ledge 96 abuts an edge of theaperture 90, thus locking the bar 40 within the slot and securing thescreen structure 16 to the housing 18. The present monitor 10 is thuseasy to assemble. The bars 40 are simply inserted into the slots untilthe tabs 88 lock into place within the apertures 90.

While the illustrated second hinge portions 44 are preferred for theirease of assembly together with the illustrated first hinge portions 36,those of skill in the art will appreciate that the illustrated secondhinge portions 44 are merely exemplary. A variety of alternate hingeconstructions could be used to achieve many advantages of the presentmonitor 10.

Preferably, the first and second hinge portions 36, 44 are located nearan upper edge 38, 82 of the screen structure 16 and housing 18,respectively. The upper edge 38 of the screen structure 16 thus remainssubstantially fixed with respect to the housing 18, while a lower edge100 of the screen structure 16 is capable of protruding substantiallyfrom the front face 24 of the housing 18, as shown in FIG. 5B.Preferably, a finger catch 102 (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 5A and 5B) extendsdownward from the lower edge 100 of the screen structure 16. The fingercatch 102 provides a convenient surface against which a viewer may placehis or her fingers to rotate the screen structure 16 with respect to thehousing 18. Preferably, the lower edge 70 of the housing includes a cutout portion 104 (FIGS. 3A and 4) so that a viewer can reach behind thefinger catch 102 to pull the screen structure 16 outward from the stowedposition of FIG. 5A.

Advantageously, as the screen structure 16 pivots from the stowedposition of FIG. 5A to the position of FIG. 5B, no portion of the rearface 30 of the screen structure 16 moves toward the floor 76 of thecavity 20. The floor 76 thus defines a limit for the monitor 10. Noportion of the monitor 10, including the screen structure 16, extendsbeyond the floor 76 into the headrest 12. Thus, the overall monitor 10occupies relatively little depth of the headrest 12, because the depthoccupied by the monitor 10 corresponds roughly to the thickness of thescreen structure 16.

With prior art monitors, such as the monitors disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,267,775 to Nguyen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,556 to Dixon, and U.S. Pat. No.5,842,715 to Jones, additional depth beyond the thickness of the screenstructure would be required within a headrest to accommodate thesemonitors. As the screen structures of these monitors pivot from thestowed position to a viewing position, an upper edge of the screenstructure would move backward into the headrest. This configuration isdisadvantageous because limited space is available within a headrest.

The function of a headrest is to provide padding for comfort and safety.Thus, a headrest must comprise at least a minimum amount of padding.When a monitor is added to a headrest, padding is displaced. The paddingmay be eliminated entirely, but such elimination makes the headrest lesscomfortable and less safe. Alternatively, the padding may be retainedbut moved elsewhere within the headrest. Disadvantageously, this optionmakes the headrest larger. If the headrest is made wider, the extrawidth obstructs a larger portion of the driver's view. If instead theheadrest is made deeper, (extends farther into rear passenger area) theportion of the headrest that protrudes into the rear passenger areapresents an obstacle to rear seat passengers. Therefore, aheadrest-mounted monitor desirably occupies minimal space.

Besides defining a thickness of the present monitor 10, the housing 18also provides a self-contained casing for the monitor 10. The housing 18thus protects the monitor 10 from impacts, for example. The housing 18also facilitates installation and removal of the monitor 10. To exchangeone monitor 10 for another, for example if the first monitor 10 isdefective, the housing 18 and all of the components within the housingare easily removed from the headrest 12. A new monitor 10 is then easilyinstalled by inserting the housing 18 of the new monitor 10 into theheadrest 12.

As will be readily recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the artfrom the disclosure herein, one method of replacing a mobileentertainment system comprises providing a headrest 12 having a firstmonitor 10 mounted therein, the first monitor 10 comprising: a firsthousing 18 including a hinge portion 44, the first housing 18 having afirst floor 76 defining one or more apertures 78 which cooperate withmounting hardware 79 to secure the first housing 18 to the headrest 12,the first housing 18 having a top wall 82, a bottom wall 84, and twoside walls 86 which cooperate to define a first storage cavity 20; and afirst screen structure 16 including a hinge portion 36, the hingeportions 44, 36 cooperating to pivotably secure the first screenstructure 16 to the first housing 18. The method comprises rotating thefirst screen structure 16 outward from the first housing 18 to provideaccess to the first floor 76, removing the mounting hardware 79 from thefirst floor 76, and removing the first monitor 10 from the headrest 12.The method further comprises providing a second monitor 10 comprising: asecond housing 18 including a hinge portion 44, the second housing 18having a second floor 76 defining one or more apertures 78, the secondhousing 18 having a top wall 82, a bottom wall 84, and two side walls 86which cooperate to define a second storage cavity 20; and a secondscreen structure 16 including a hinge portion 36, the hinge portions 44,36 cooperating to pivotably secure the second screen structure 16 to thesecond housing 18. The method further comprises inserting the secondmonitor 10 into the headrest 12.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the monitor 10 preferably includes abracket 106 that limits a range of pivot of the screen structure 16relative to the housing 18. Advantageously, the bracket 106 facilitatessecuring the screen structure 16 in a desired viewing position. Thebracket 106 also enhances the safety characteristics of the monitor 10,as explained below. However, those of skill in the art will appreciatethat the monitor 10 need not include the bracket 106. Without thebracket 106, the screen structure 16 is pivotable approximately 90°relative to the housing IS. The screen structure 16 can thus be pivotedto the optimum viewing angle.

The shape of the bracket 106, illustrated in FIG. 6, preferablyresembles a straight wire 108 with an attached pair of L-shaped wires110. Of course, the bracket 106 may be produced by many differentprocesses such that the straight wire 108 and L-shaped wires 110comprise one piece, or separate pieces attached to one another.

All three wires 108, 110, 110 are coplanar, and both L-shaped wires 110extend from the straight wire 108 in the same direction. The uprightportion 112 of each L-shaped wire 110 is substantially perpendicular tothe straight wire 108, and the base portion 114 of each L-shaped wire110 is substantially parallel to the straight wire 108. Further, thebase portions 114 of each L-shaped wire 110 extend toward each other,and include a small gap 116 between their ends. The upright portions 112of the L-shaped wires 110 are attached to the straight wire 108 suchthat opposite end portions of the straight wire 108, comprising posts118, extend beyond the attachment points of the L-shaped wires 110.

The base portions 114 of the L-shaped wires 110, which define a firstend 124 of the bracket 106, are pivotably retained within a tube 120(FIGS. 3A, 4 and 5A-5B) on the floor 76 of the cavity 20. The tube 120defines a first pivot opening and a second pivot opening. The posts 118of the straight wire 108, which define a second end 126 of the bracket106, are slidably retained within a channel 122 on the rear face 30 ofthe screen structure 16, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 5A and 5B. In the stowedposition shown in FIG. 5A, the bracket 106 is substantially parallel tothe rear face 30 of the screen structure 16. As the screen structure 16pivots outward from the cavity 20, the base portions 114 of the L-shapedwires 110 pivot within the tube 120 and the posts 118 slide downwardwithin the channel 122.

Preferably, the hinges 36, 44 that pivotably connect the screenstructure 16 to the housing 18 are self tensioning. Thus, the hinges 36,44 retain the screen structure 16 in the position of FIG. 5B, and in anyposition in between the positions of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. A viewer canthus position the screen structure 16 anywhere between the limits ofrotation to enjoy the optimum viewing angle. For example, the optimumviewing angle often depends upon the position of the sun. Glare fromsunlight interferes with the viewer's ability to see images on thescreen. Thus, the viewer can orient the screen structure 16 such thatglare from sunlight is minimized. Furthermore, as the vehicle travels,its position and orientation with respect to the sun are continuouslychanging. At one moment, there may be little or no glare on the screen46, and the next moment the vehicle may round a corner and suddenlythere is a substantial glare on the screen 46. Because the presentmonitor 10 is positionable in a wide range of viewing angles, themonitor 10 enables the viewer to continuously adjust the angle of thescreen structure 16 to avoid sun glare occasioned by variations in thevehicle's position and/or orientation with respect to the sun.

The present monitor 10 advantageously collapses toward the storageposition (FIGS. 5A and 7A) when a force F is applied to the frontsurface 22 of the screen structure 16 as shown in FIGS. 5B and 7B. Thisfeature is especially advantageous when a vehicle in which the monitor10 is installed collides with another vehicle or brakes suddenly, forexample. In these situations, a passenger seated behind the monitor 10is often thrown forward, and may collide with the monitor 10. If themonitor 10 does not quickly collapse upon contact, the monitor 10 couldinjure the passenger.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the bracket 106 limits the rotation of the screenstructure 16 relative to the housing 18. The length of the bracket 106is fixed, and the first end 124 of the bracket 106 is constrainedagainst translation. Therefore, a maximum angle that the screenstructure 16 can be rotated from the stowed position of FIG. 5Acoincides with a configuration wherein a longitudinal axis of thebracket 106 is perpendicular to the rear face 30 of the screen structure16. In such a configuration, a force applied perpendicularly to thefront face of the screen structure 16, such as the force F in FIG. 5B,would not have a component that acts on the bracket second end 126 in adirection parallel to the channel 122 and perpendicular to the bracket106. Instead, the entire magnitude of the force would act in a directionparallel to the bracket 106, and would not cause the bracket second end126 to slide upward within the channel 122, thus rotating the bracket106 about its first end. In such a configuration, the bracket 106 wouldprevent the screen structure 16 from rotating back toward the storageconfiguration of FIG. 5A. The screen structure 16 would thus pose adanger to a passenger colliding with it, as in a crash or a sudden stop.

However, as explained above and illustrated in FIG. 5B, a lower end ofthe channel 122 in the rear face 30 of the screen structure 16 limitsthe travel of the bracket 106 within the channel 122 and prevents thebracket 106 from reaching the configuration wherein the bracket 106 isperpendicular to the rear face 30 of the screen structure 16. As shownin FIG. 5B, the maximum angle a between the bracket 106 and the rearface 30 of the screen structure 16 is preferably about 80°, and morepreferably about 75°. In this configuration, the force F appliedperpendicularly to the front face 22 of the screen structure 16 has acomponent that acts parallel to the channel 122, and a component thatacts perpendicularly to the bracket 106. These force components causethe bracket second end 126 to translate upward within the channel 122,causing the bracket 106 to rotate about its first end 124 as the screenstructure 16 collapses toward the storage configuration of FIG. 5A. Thebracket 106 thus diminishes the injury-causing potential of the monitor10 by enabling the screen structure 16 to pivot safely out of the waywhen a passenger collides with it.

FIG. 8 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the screen structure128. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another preferred embodiment of the housing130, which is adapted to receive the screen structure 128 of FIG. 8.FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the housing 130 and screen structure 128secured within a headrest 12. The illustrated screen structure 128 andhousing 130 do not include a bracket 106. Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, thescreen structure 128 is pivotable 90° with respect to the housing. Aviewer can thus adjust the viewing angle of the screen structure 128 tothe optimum position. However, those of skill in the art will appreciatethat the bracket 106 could be provided with the screen structure 128 andhousing 130 in order to limit the pivotability of the screen structure128 with respect to the housing 130.

The screen structure 128 is substantially similar to the screenstructure 16 described above. The first hinge portion 132 of the screenstructure is mounted on, and pivotable about, a post imbedded in thescreen structure 128. Because the post is a separate component from therest of the screen structure 128, the post is very easily constructed ofa different material than the screen structure 128. The screen structure128 is preferably constructed of plastic to make it lightweight and lessexpensive to manufacture. However, the post, which is part of the hingedconnection holding the screen structure 128 to the housing 130, ispreferably made from a high strength material, such as a metal. Like thefirst hinge portion 36 on the screen structure 16 described above, boththe first hinge portion 132 and the post are preferably constructed of ahigh-strength material, such as a metal.

The first hinge portion 132 (FIG. 8) of the screen structure 128includes an aperture 134 near a center thereof, as measured along a longaxis of the first hinge portion 132. The aperture 134 is adapted toreceive a fastening member to secure the screen structure 128 to thehousing 130, as described below.

The housing 130 is substantially similar to the housing 18 describedabove. However, the second hinge portion 136 of the housing 130 does notinclude the tab 88 in the second hinge portion 44 of the housing 18. Aside wall portion 138 (FIG. 11) of the second hinge portion 136 includesa substantially If-shaped aperture 140 that is adapted to receive afastening member. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that theaperture 140 in the side wall portion 138 could have any of a variety ofshapes.

The first hinge portion 132 on the screen structure 128 is slidablewithin the slot 142 (FIG. 9) formed by the second hinge portion 136 onthe housing 130. When assembling the monitor 10, the first hinge portion132 is slid into the second hinge portion 136 until the aperture 134 onthe first hinge portion 132 aligns with the aperture 140 on the secondhinge portion 136. A fastening member 144 (FIGS. 12 and 13), such as ascrew, is inserted through the aperture 140 in the side wall portion 138of the second hinge portion 136, and through the aperture 134 in thefirst hinge portion 132. The fastening member 144 thus secures the firstand second hinge portions 132, 136 to one another, which secures thescreen structure 128 to the housing 130. Advantageously, the slot 142facilitates the proper positioning of the first hinge portion,particularly during the tightening of the fastening member 144.

The sturdy construction of the hinged connection between the screenstructure 128 and the housing 130 reduces the risk of the screenstructure 128 becoming detached from the housing 130 during a collision.The post that is imbedded in the screen structure 128 is preferablymetal. Thus, the connection between the post and the screen structure128 is very strong. The first hinge portion 132 is also preferablymetal. Thus, the connection between the first hinge portion 132 and thepost is also very strong.

The fastening member is preferably a metal screw, and the second hingeportion 136 is preferably a strong plastic. The interconnection of eachof these high-strength materials greatly reduces the likelihood of thehinged connection breaking. Even in a high speed vehicle collision, thescreen structure 128 is likely to remain firmly connected to the housing130. By preventing the screen structure 128 from becoming detachedduring a crash, and subsequently drifting throughout the passengercompartment, the sturdy hinged connection of the monitor 10 decreasesthe likelihood of injury to the vehicle's passengers that mightotherwise be caused by a flying screen structure 128.

Scope of the Invention

The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated for thepresent headrest-mounted monitor, and of the manner and process ofmaking and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as toenable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make anduse this headrest-mounted monitor. This headrest-mounted monitor is,however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions fromthat discussed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is notthe intention to limit this headrest-mounted monitor to the particularembodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit andscope of the headrest-mounted monitor as generally expressed by thefollowing claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim thesubject matter of the headrest-mounted monitor.

What is claimed is:
 1. A video monitor adapted to be mounted to aheadrest of a vehicle seat, the monitor comprising: a housing having acavity that defines a storage space and having a first hinge portion,the first hinge portion comprising a slot; a screen structuresubstantially the same size and shape as the storage space, the screenstructure having a front face and a back face having a plurality ofapertures, the screen structure configured to attach to the housing suchthat the screen structure can pivot between a first configuration and asecond configuration, the screen structure having a second hingeportion, the second hinge portion comprising a planar structure which isslidable within the slot, the second hinge portion cooperating with thefirst hinge portion to pivotably secure the screen structure to thehousing when the planar structure is disposed within the slot, theplanar structure being pivotally secured at one end to the screenstructure, the other end being slidably mounted within the slot; and atleast one speaker within an interior of the screen structure, whereinthe at least one speaker is positioned and configured such that soundsfrom the speaker pass through the plurality of apertures on the backface of the screen structure.
 2. The video monitor of claim 1, whereinthe at least one speaker comprises a first speaker and a second speaker.3. The video monitor of claim 2, wherein the first speaker is on a firstside of the screen structure and the second speaker is on a second sideof the screen structure opposite the first side.
 4. The video monitor ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the atleast one speaker.
 5. The video monitor of claim 1, wherein the planarstructure includes a bar.
 6. A mobile video system, comprising: aheadrest; a housing that defines a cavity, the housing configured to bepositioned within the headrest, the housing having a first hinge portioncomprising a slot; a screen structure secured within the housing suchthat the screen structure can pivot from a first position to a secondposition, the screen structure having a second hinge portion, the secondhinge portion comprising a planar structure which is slidable within theslot, the second hinge portion cooperating with the first hinge portionto pivotably secure the screen structure to the housing when the planarstructure is disposed within the slot, the planar structure beingpivotally secured at one end to the screen structure, the other endbeing slidably mounted within the slot; and at least one speaker withinthe screen structure, the speaker configured to emit sounds through aback face of the screen structure, wherein the screen structure issubstantially the same size and shape as the cavity.
 7. The mobile videosystem of claim 6, wherein the screen structure further comprises aplurality of openings on the back face of the screen structure.
 8. Themobile video system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of openings arealigned with the at least one speaker and are configured to enable soundto pass through the back of the screen structure.
 9. The mobile videosystem of claim 6, wherein the at least one speaker comprises a firstspeaker and a second speaker.
 10. The mobile video system of claim 9,wherein the first speaker is on a first side of the screen structure andthe second speaker is on a second side of the screen structure oppositethe first side.
 11. The mobile video system of claim 6, wherein theplanar structure includes a bar.